Cargo Ship ‘Bermuda Islander’ Runs Aground in Delaware River

Bermuda Island file photo (c) MarineTraffic.com/Rob McMurray

Salvage efforts were underway Tuesday for a 324-foot cargo ship aground on the Delaware River.

The Netherlands-flagged MV Bermuda Islander lost power and propulsion Monday at approximately 9 p.m. before running aground near Salem, New Jersey.

No injuries or pollution have been reported. There were 12 people aboard the ship when it ran aground.

The U.S. Coast Guard said watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia have been maintaining an hourly communications schedule with the Delaware River Pilots regarding the ship’s status.

Donjon Marine has been identified as the contracted salvage company.

“Our goal is to get the vessel safely back underway while mitigating pollution,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Brown, an operations specialist in the Sector Delaware Bay command center. “Although there haven’t been any reports of pollution, we are monitoring the situation closely to ensure it stays that way.”

Bermuda Islander departed the Port of Salem, New Jersey on Tuesday on its weekly sailing to Hamilton, Bermuda. The ship is owned and operated by Bermuda International Shipping (BISL).